[DWA]

Hi -
I am wanting to set up a new site but wanted a few tips before I start.

The basic idea is:-
We sell custom audio files. However we now have an archive of files that we wish to sell as Stock Items.
I want the customer to be able to preview a file - Pay for it via PayPal - the files are automatically sent.

I have a demo of dreamweaver - is this a good application for building a site of this type?
Whats the best options for hosting - i'm guessing that I upload the files to the hosts area??
The files to be sent could be 30MB or more - does this affect my options?

As the project is in its infancy I want to keep costs down at first and expand as neccesary.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get me started.

Thanks

[zed]

I doubt many receiving inboxes will like/allow a 30Mb e:mail coming through. Why not have it so the purchaser can download the file?

[nublue]

Hi DWA

From the contents of your message I'm guessing you have not made anything to be published online before?

First off, don't use dreamweaver. This is an editor, and although it is possible to build something from scratch in it, you have no chance of being able to build the system you have described in it.

What you are essentially describing is an ecommerce shop that sells digital downloads (audio in this case). So you need a shop that lets users browse your products (the audio), add the products they want to the cart, and then pay and download them.

I suggest you try using something pre made such as:

• Magento
  
• Open Cart
  
• Cs Cart

These are just examples, there are loads of other options out there so do your research. Make sure whichever one you choose supports digital downloads. I would highly recommend you get a web developer to plug in the payment systems and make sure it works from a technical point of view.

Next job is to either get someone to make you a design for the cart (custom), or if you want to keep the cost down, buy a template and pay someone to make the minor modifications required such as swapping logos etc(you could maybe attempt this bit yourself in dreamweaver).

Once you have done that you can host the website pretty much anywhere. Your developer is probably best placed to advise on what you need.

I hope that helps.

This post has been edited by nublue: 06 February 2012 - 01:45 PM

[DWA]

Hi Nu Blue
Thanks for the info. Gives me enough to get started.

Thanks Again

[rallport]

Ensure you download urls expire and are random. E.g. DON'T use links like site.com/files/audio.mp3 as someone could share this over the internet.